PANJIM: Following the news report on basalt stone smuggling in Herald’s Friday edition, Transport officials denied illegal transportation of basalt stone into Goa from Karnataka stating that trucks carry a valid pass (invoice tax paid) from the Karnataka government
Speaking to Herald, Assistant Director Enforcement North Goa, Sandip Desai, said that no vehicles can be allowed to bring in basalt stone without a pass. “I sent my team to verify on Friday, and I was told that vehicles are entering with valid passes,” Desai said. He said that he also sent a memorandum to the staff to reply based on the news report.
Herald also spoke to Mines and Geology Director Prassana Acharya, who said that basalt stone does come under the minor minerals category.
